Abbey mass goers bask in sunshine
MORE than 400 people attended this year’s annual outdoor Mass at Dunbrody Abbey, which was the biggest in its five year history.
The Mass, which was celebrated by Horeswood PP Fr Gerald O’Leary, drew a record crowd of locals and visitors to the area on one of the hottest days of the summer.
Fr O’Leary said the weather really helped attract a large crowd, whereas in other years the Mass was affected by rain.
‘ The weather went up to around 28 degrees. You couldn’t have wished for a better day; it was probably the best we have ever had.’
He said word has spread about the Mass.
‘It has become very popular and through word of mouth our numbers have been growing year on year from around 300 last year to over 400 this year. We have a rain day back up plan whereby the Mass can be put back a week to the following Sunday, but we didn’t have to use it this year thankfully.’
John Stafford and Kieran Power performed prior to the Mass, aided by Kieran’s mother Mary who played the organ.
The Mass was introduced by the Pastoral Council around five years ago at the Abbey which is a former Cistercian monastery. The cross-shaped church was built in the 13th century and the tower was added in the 15th century. Fr O’Leary said a lot of preparation went in to the day, with people assisting in setting up chairs from 7 a.m. ‘We are very grateful to everyone who helped to make this such a special day,’ he said.